Railroad Conductor

Your Fit

Income

$74K

Preparation

Some

Growth

1.1%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Railroad Conductor?

A Railroad Conductor oversees the daily operations of freight or passenger trains. They are responsible for the train's operation in compliance with regulations, ensuring passenger safety, and coordinating the activities of the train crew.

Sample job titles:

Conductor, Freight Conductor, Railroad Conductor, Yardmaster

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Railroad Conductor.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Railroad Conductor earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$54K per year	$64K per year	$74K per year	$82K per year	$103K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $25K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Railroad Conductor do?

Work environment

Railroad Conductors work on board trains, whether on freight or passenger services. Their work environment involves travel and outdoor work in various weather conditions. Shifts can be irregular, including nights, weekends, and holidays, with extended periods away from home.

Quick task list

Ensures the train complies with orders, signals, and railroad rules and regulations.
Inspects all equipment on the train for safety and functionality.
Manages the train crew and coordinates their activities.
Communicates with dispatchers and control centers about train status.
Assists passengers with boarding and seating, and provides information.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Freight Train Conductor: Specializing in the operation of freight trains, including cargo handling and logistics.
Passenger Train Conductor: Focusing on passenger services, ensuring comfort, and managing onboard staff.
Yardmaster: Overseeing train operations in rail yards, including assembling trains and managing yard crews.
Road Foreman: Specializing in training and supervising train crews, ensuring adherence to safety standards.
Signal and Switch Operator: Operating track switches and signals, coordinating train movement in congested areas.

Description

A Railroad Conductor is integral to the safe and efficient operation of trains. They require a deep understanding of train operations and railroad regulations. Conductors must be vigilant, able to respond quickly to emergencies or changes in schedule, and have a strong commitment to safety. They are often the primary point of contact for the train crew and, in passenger trains, for the public, requiring excellent communication and customer service skills.

For freight conductors, the role can involve overseeing the loading and unloading of cargo, ensuring it is correctly secured, and documenting cargo details. In passenger trains, conductors are responsible for ticketing, passenger safety, and addressing any onboard issues that arise.

The job can be physically demanding, requiring conductors to move around the train, work outdoors, and handle equipment. It also requires adaptability and problem-solving skills, as conductors must deal with unexpected situations, such as mechanical issues or track obstructions.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

The responsibility of overseeing train operations and ensuring passenger or cargo safety.
Opportunities to travel and work in different environments.
The camaraderie and teamwork with the train crew.
A sense of pride in maintaining time-honored railroad traditions.

You might make a good Railroad Conductor if you are...

Interested in train operations and mechanics.
Able to make quick decisions and respond calmly to emergencies.
Good at communicating and managing a team.
Comfortable with irregular working hours and travel.
Focused on safety and detail-oriented.

Pros:

Unique and dynamic work environment.
Opportunities for advancement in the railroad industry.
Strong sense of accomplishment and responsibility.

Cons:

Irregular hours and potentially long shifts.
Physically demanding work, often in challenging weather conditions.
High responsibility for safety can be stressful.

How to become a Railroad Conductor

Typical education

Typically, a high school diploma is required. Most conductors receive on-the-job training and may attend specialized training programs offered by employers or vocational schools. Some railroad companies also offer conductor apprenticeship programs.

High school preparation

Courses:

Technical education or shop classes for mechanical skills.
Geography for understanding rail networks.
Mathematics for scheduling and logistics.
Physical education for physical fitness requirements.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Joining model railroad clubs or railfan activities.
Participating in team sports or leadership clubs.
Volunteering in community services, particularly in logistics or coordination roles.

Preparation after high school

On-the-job training programs provided by railroads.
Vocational training courses in railroad operations.
Apprenticeships or internships with railroad companies.
Certifications in safety, first aid, and emergency response.

More resources

Association of American Railroads (AAR) - Provides industry information and standards.
Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) - Offers regulatory guidance and safety standards.
National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association (NRCMA) - Resource for training and development in railroad careers.

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Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.